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Immigrants should embrace their sprouts

Christmas is not just for Christians. Its traditions can make all families feel at home

Anushka Asthana

December 23 2011, 12:01am, The Times

‘Where do you come from?” It seems a simple question, but if you look and sound like me, it’s not always so clear what is meant.

Are they asking where I live? Or which part of Britain that hint of a northern accent comes from? Perhaps they are looking at the colour of my skin and wondering where I am originally from?

The problem with taking a punt and responding “India” is that those who wanted “Manchester” always look a little taken aback. It’s as if they think that I’m accusing them of questioning my Britishness. Of course, I’m not, but to avoid the awkwardness I usually spill out three answers.

In fact, for a non-white, second- generation immigrant, “Where do you come from?” is…